Human Trafficking

 Human Trafficking 

By: Anjali Tiwari

It refers to the sale and purchase of a human being as a commodity, and it encompasses the heinous trafficking of women and children. Although slavery is not specifically addressed in Article 23, it is included in the definition of "human trafficking."

Other types of forced labour may include any other activity that is forbidden by Article 23, as well as any other practice that is prohibited by this Article.

Article 24 deals with the prevention of children working in factories. It prohibits minors under the age of 14 from working in factories, mines, or any other hazardous workplace. This article is for the benefit of children and ensures that they live a safe, secure, and healthy existence.

Children are regarded as our country's future. Every nation has the responsibility to ensure that the future is bright by providing good food, education, and health to the country's children so that they can grow up to be strong enough to do something positive with their lives, which will eventually contribute to the nation's improvement and progress.

This Article, however, does not ban the employment of children in jobs that are both innocent and harmless, such as working in agricultural fields or in a food store.

Article 24 has the following characteristics:

This article prohibits the hiring of children under the age of 14 in hazardous jobs.

It takes into account children's safety and well-being.

Article 39 imposes an obligation on the state to ensure that children are either harmed or compelled to labour in hazardous environments due to financial difficulties.

It does not apply to the employment of youngsters in non-harmful work.

Legislations for the Protection of Child Rights: 

In order to fulfil the obligations imposed by Article 24 and certain international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Indian Parliament enacted a number of acts aimed at ensuring the well-being of children.

The Employment of Children Act of 1938 prohibits children under the age of 14 from working on trains and other modes of transportation.

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act of 1986 prohibits minors from working in certain sorts of jobs and regulates their working conditions when they are not barred from working.

The Mines Act of 1952 makes it clear that everyone working in a mine must be at least 18 years old. As a result, the employment of youngsters in mines is prohibited.

The Factories Act of 1948 prohibits children under the age of 14 from working in factories. This Act establishes specific limitations and guidelines for the employment of youth over the age of 14.

The Plantation Labour Act of 1951 establishes a 12-year minimum age for employment and provides for periodic health checks for minors aged 12 and up who are employed.

The Motor Transport Workers Act of 1961 prohibits children under the age of 15 from working in the transportation industry.

The Apprentices Act of 1961 prevents children under the age of 14 from participating in apprenticeship training.

The Beedi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act of 1966 prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 in any industrial setting where bidis and cigars are manufactured.